Notre-Dame was burning. It was an awful sight. Flames peeling towards the sky. Smoke billowing black and ominous. Devastation ripped through a country, a religion, a world. This magnificent piece of architecture, the work of skilled human hands imbued with talent from God, was burning. And no one knew if it would survive. This is not the first time Notre-Dame de Paris has faced destruction, as it was partially destroyed during the French Revolution. But seeing it in flames was... Read more
The first Passover was a terrifying night. God promised His people that if they did as He asked, He wouldn’t take their firstborn children. The faithful believed Him and did as He asked, but I can’t help but wonder if some of them still doubted. Did they sit in anxiety? Would the angel of death really be able to see the lamb blood smeared on their doorways? If this Passover happened as God said it would, then the Israelites would... Read more
Warning! There are some spoilers for the season 8 premiere of Game of Thrones. Nothing major but, you’ve been warned. It is so extremely fitting that the premiere of the final season of Game of Thrones debuted on Palm Sunday. The opening scene is much like we experienced in liturgy over the weekend: a throng of people gathered to greet and even worship Christ the King as He triumphantly rides into Jerusalem is seen in the people of the North gathered... Read more
Today’s post was written by guest contributor Jon Paul Siskey, Jr. Palm Sunday is upon us. Although we all know that we are to hear of Our Lord’s Passion in the gospel readings, we probably aren’t as aware of how it ties in to the responsorial psalm we are to hear as well. But the first Christians knew well how important Psalm 22 is in understanding The Passion of Our Lord; Jesus himself thought it important enough to quote it... Read more
Motherhood and Pregnancy are a choice, an act. Often, pregnancy is viewed just as a time in life to be dealt with or gotten through. Rather, though, it is a whole transformative act and participation. It is not passive but supremely active. “Let it be done to me according to Your word,” Mary said to the angel Gabriel, announcing that she would allow herself to become pregnant with the Son of God, that she would do pregnancy and motherhood.... Read more
The first dream I remember having occurred when I was four years old I slept on the bottom bunk of a full sized bunk bed with no ladder to the top; my sister was still in the crib. The oversized window in the room looked out to the lake. It was always bright in there, though I’m told that remembering events as very bright is a psychological phenomenon. And that is where I slept when I had my first dream. My dream was... Read more
Head on over to Tea with Tolkien today and take a listen to her latest podcast about Flannery O’Connor, featuring me! Kaitlyn is my best friend and a phenomenal woman and podcast host. We talk Flannery, Middle-Earth, and a little bit about my writings. Plus, Kaitlyn’s adorable son makes a guest appearance at the beginning. Enjoy! Read more
Death to Me Back to the way it was No worries or cares, just dreams and space Back to the way we were When I was young and we were always together Present: a soft blow) (Future hits hard And I coalesce, coag– ulate Memory presents one-sided– stiffening, hide behind what I recall The truth of bias unearthed Imagination, fleets leaves falling to– die A twisting dance to the tune: what if “Lady Writing a Letter with... Read more
“I am all the family you need.” I was seventeen when I heard that phrase for the first time. It was like St. Teresa of Avila speaks of God whispering to you heart– the words “are more distinct and clear than those which men hear with their bodily ears.” I had been crying. To make a complicated story less so, I was on retreat with my diocesan youth program and we were in adoration. I was having a huge personal... Read more
When my mom had breast cancer for the third time, when I was 16, I was finally made aware of it. Since I was older, my parents knew that I’d ask more questions about why Mommabear was sick or what all of her appointments two hours away in Pittsburgh were for; so they told me. My parents faced this diagnosis with trust and faith. I learned to do the same, as well. My mom’s oldest sister and brother came to... Read more
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